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Jamaica offers a culturally distinct tropical vacation that stands out from its Caribbean neighbors. Most Caribbean nations maintain close ties with European and Western culture. Jamaica has an independent island vibe that's influenced strongly by the African continent, from its local architecture to its music and food, according to the Lonely Planet guidebook. Enjoy African cuisine in tourist hot spots like Kingston, listen to Rastafarian reggae at a cafe in Montego Bay and find a Caribbean getaway unlike any other.

Entrance Requirements

A visa is not required when vacationing in Jamaica. Bring a valid passport that will be current through the end of your trip. You must also have a return ticket to your home. Bring a copy of a current bank statement, since you may need to show proof of sufficient funds to support yourself during your vacation. Entrance requirements may change occasionally. Contact the Jamaican embassy in Washington, D.C., for current rules.

The U.S. Embassy

Contact the U.S. Embassy in Jamaica during your trip if you have security or safety concerns or need assistance from the U.S. Department of State. For example, embassy personnel can help you if you lose your U.S. passport while in the country. The embassy is in Kingston. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. weekdays.

Health and Safety

As of March 2010, no vaccines were required for visiting Jamaica, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Stay current with your routine vaccinations, such as those for measles and the flu. If you plan to visit rural areas of Jamaica, the CDC recommends a typhoid vaccination. Malaria incidences are low and contained to Kingston, according to the CDC. You may still wish to take an antimalarial drug as a preventative measure, but it is no longer considered necessary. Bring insect repellent and wear long-sleeved shirts and pants to limit your exposure to mosquitoes that may carry the disease.

Violent Crime

Jamaica occasionally undergoes periods of civil unrest and violence, and crime is a prevalent even in tourist areas, according to the U.S. Department of State. Avoid Hart Street and Clavers Street in Montego Bay and Arnett Gardens in Kingston, where shootings and other violent crimes are common. Call the U.S. Department of State toll free at 1-888-407-4747 in North America or 1-202-501-4444 from within Jamaica to obtain the latest security reports.

Always travel in groups. Do not carry large amounts of cash or wear flashy jewelry. Don't leave valuables in sight, even in your hotel room. Men should keep their wallets in the front pocket of their jeans, and women should ensure that their purses are always zipped. The U.S. Department of State recommends yelling or calling for help if you feel threatened. Call "119" to contact the Jamaican police.

Travel Times

The country's peak tourist season starts in December and ends in April. Visit another time to get better deals on activities and hotel rooms. You may wish to avoid Jamaica from June through November, which is the country's hurricane season. Jamaica is rainiest in May, June, October and November, according to the Lonely Planet guidebook.

Transportation

Renting a car is the best and most secure way to get around the island. Rental prices range from $40 to more than $100 a day, as of March 2010. Buses are available, but reliability varies by region; consult your hotel's front desk for assistance. Taxis are communal but offer faster and more direct transportation than buses.

Money

The Jamaican dollar, known by its Jamaican slang term as the "jay," starts with a $50 bill denomination. A dollar in U.S. currency exchanged to approximately $89 Jamaican dollars on March 1, 2010. Average hotel prices range from $60 to $150 USD, according to the Lonely Planet guidebook. Plan to tip 10 to 15 percent in restaurants and bars unless the establishment automatically includes the gratuity.

Resources

About the Author

Joshua Duvauchelle is an editor, health journalist and certified personal trainer. His work has appeared in various national and international magazines, including diet tips in "Alive" health magazine and relationship advice in "The Health Journal." When he's not writing, Duvauchelle enjoys hot yoga and running.

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